Netanyahu Links Flight Attacker to Islamist Radicalization

Israel’s prime minister said investigations suggest the man who stabbed a fellow pilot on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.

The aircraft, carrying more than 170 passengers, suddenly dropped over 17,000ft two hours into its journey before crew and passengers seized control. The plane ultimately diverted to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.

Netanyahu told FOX News that the attacker, who was an Omani national, appeared suicidal after passengers tied him up and he cried out for aircrew to kill him. He also suggested the man intended to bring the aircraft down.

UAE officials have begun investigations to determine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity, while Saudi authorities are questioning the co‑pilot who assisted in the emergency responses.

The incident has prompted Flydubai to suspend its Dubai‑Tel Aviv route pending a full safety review. Israeli airlines have arranged rescue flights and the government has requested additional flights from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv to accommodate stranded passengers.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s ambassador praised Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who was stabbed, as a hero, noting his courage during the crisis. The captain is recovering well after a brief hospitalization in Israel.